Lake Tyler Marina to get improvements for residents

Users of the Lake Tyler Marina can expect to see a myriad of improvements in the coming months.

On Wednesday, the city council gave the go-ahead for a long-term lease agreement with Del and Terri Waggener, with Lake Tyler Marina Resort, to operate the marina.

In March, the city’s lease with Daveryl Holdings LLC for the Lake Tyler Marina was terminated, and throughout April and early May, the marina was operated by city staff on a limited basis, said Greg Morgan, managing director of utilities and public works for the city of Tyler.

At the same time, he said, the city entered into negotiations for a short-term lease with Lake Tyler Marina Resort, which is owned by the Waggeners. He said the city ended up entering into a short-term lease with Del and Terri Waggener to get the marina operating again while the city negotiated a long-term lease.

Morgan said key components of the long-term lease between the city and Lake Tyler Marina Resort are that within 30 days from the time the agreement starts, the store and gas pumps will be re-opened for business; long-term RV lots will be converted to 14-day maximum stay lots; regular and ongoing maintenance will begin including, but not limited to, mowing, trash removal, pressure washing boathouses and cleaning up RV spots; and repair will be done on boat piers identified in an inspection report that is dated in February.

Within 60 to 90 days from the time the agreement begins, he said plans are to reopen the grill in the store for business; get rid of abandoned boats and barges; complete a remodel of the marina restroom facilities to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act; offer a written plan for any additional changes or upgrades that are necessary for the property to be ADA compliant; and repair roof leaks, rotten wood, gutters and handrails on the marina building.

Morgan said then by Dec. 30, the Waggeners plan to start reviewing boathouses and land structures with city staff and make a priority list for remaining repairs; and open the restaurant and party room for business.

He said the lease with the Waggeners is 10 years, with the option for two additional five-year renewals.

Morgan said the lease requires the marina be open at least from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., six days per week.